Abuja — The Federal Government has formally unveiled and signed the renegotiated 2025 Agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), a development expected to usher in lasting industrial harmony and stability across Nigeria’s public university system.
The agreement was unveiled at a ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, bringing together key stakeholders from government, labour unions, the National Assembly and the academic community. The event underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to sustained dialogue, improved working conditions and uninterrupted academic calendars in public universities.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, described the agreement as a major pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the deal provides a comprehensive framework aimed at preventing recurrent strikes and repositioning Nigerian universities to be competitive and globally relevant.
According to the Minister, the agreement is the first to harmonise all critical components required for the effective functioning of the university system into a single aligned document.
A key feature of the agreement is a 40 per cent upward review of academic staff emoluments, effective from 1 January 2026. The salary adjustment, approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, will be implemented through the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, which covers research publications, conference attendance, internet access, professional memberships and books.
The agreement also introduces a Professorial Credit Allowance of ₦1.8 million annually for professors, while readers will receive between ₦840,000 and ₦870,000. In addition, academic allowances have been restructured and are now strictly tied to duties performed.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the agreement as a renewed covenant based on dialogue, mutual respect and shared responsibility. She noted that its successful implementation would strengthen trust between government and university staff.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, members of the National Assembly and ASUU leadership also commended the amicable resolution, urging all parties to ensure faithful implementation of the agreement.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olamuyiwa Enitan, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the effective implementation of all provisions of the agreement.
The 2025 FG–ASUU Agreement is being hailed as a landmark achievement, offering renewed hope for enduring stability, improved staff welfare and a more competitive Nigerian university system.
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